How I Help

Many clients find themselves in deportation proceedings after entering a plea of guilty to a crime. Their attorney failed to tell them that they would be deported as a result of their conviction.

Prior to entering a plea of guilty, non-citizens have a constitutional right to know that they may be deported as a result of their conviction. Their criminal defense attorney must tell them so. My job in this situation is to convince the criminal court judge to wipe away the guilty plea. As a result, the client is no longer subject to deportation.

I am one of the only attorneys in New York that has successfully wiped away a guilty plea because the client was not advised of the immigration consequences of a guilty plea. As a result of my work, after a year in jail, my client was released.

A Legal Team Working for You

The Grotas Firm is comprised of experienced legal professionals that share a common goal: to do everything in our power to keep families together.

In the event of complication, our team is prepared to defend your case to the fullest extent possible. This is where our experience really shines: we know which avenues to take, and what actions are mostly likely to result in success.

In situations where you face deportation due to a guilty plea, your future may seem uncertain. Working together, my firm and I will seek every legal recourse available to ensure your continued residency in the United States.

A guilty conviction presents a lot of problems with respect to immigration, and it can be costly to deal with these problems appropriately. Unfortunately, a guilty verdict can result in your detention or deportation from America. Often a conviction isn’t required for deportation proceedings to begin.

Immigration Consequences Associated With Plea Bargains

Many attorneys that focus on non-immigration areas often overlook the consequences of taking a plea bargain or pleading no contest. Their reasoning to take the bargain often sounds like it makes sense (to avoid significant jail time or other charges), but the implications such pleas can have with respect to your immigration status can be significant.

Taking a plea- bargain or pleading guilty can create several problems:

It makes it difficult to renew your visa

It can make getting a green card impossible

It may prevent you from seeking and obtaining citizenship

Doing so may make you subject to deportation, even if you have a green card

Testimonials

Paul Grotas I will like to thank you from the bottom of my heart because of you finally my stepdaughter will be here soon you are the best lawyer in the whole world and so please that I went to your firm. And thank you Viviana for your patience !!!

– Narcissa Ramirez, Facebook review

“Grotas knew my case and situation, made what felt nearly impossible possible. Kept my family and I well informed and provided us with many motions and document prior to court dates, gave us a better understanding on the legal circumstances every step of the way. Grotas is always well prepared for court, answered all my questions and concerns accordingly. I’m so thankful for Mr. Grotas and all his efforts he made me feel secure in his services that helped reunite my family.”

Padilla v. Kentucky

In 2010 the United States Supreme Court ruled on a case called Padilla v. Kentucky, where it was found that the defendant received ineffective assistance from their counsel. This means that their attorney failed to fully inform them of the implications associated with making a guilty plea.

This case is significant with respect to immigration because it found that failing to be duly informed of the potential consequences associated with taking a plea deal is a violation of your constitutional rights. This violation provides a basis for vacation of your conviction.

Immigration Legal Services for Families

Detention & Deportation Defense

Minor infraction or conviction, even if it occurred decades ago, could trigger deportation or removal proceedings. The U.S. government does not forget. In fact, they are actively arresting people even if they have been living in the U.S. their entire lives. I provide passionate and zealous immigration defense for those who the U.S. government wants to deport.

Getting Your Citizenship

When applying for citizenship, the application process can be fraught with technicalities, unfair immigration officials, and delays. Our entire immigration and criminal history. Guidance from an experienced immigration attorney is crucial to ensuring that you are not only approved, but that you don’t suddenly wind up in deportation proceedings. Also, an immigration attorney can save a case which has been delayed.

Visa Applications & Renewals

During our initial consultation, I will work with you to determine which visa is right for you or your loved one. I have represented many immigrants who have applied for a wide range of visa applications. I have worked on renewal cases for individuals and their family members, including change of status, marriage and fiancé visas, family petitions, as well as many others.

Obtaining Your Green Card

The first step for someone immigrating to the U.S. on a permanent basis is to obtain lawful permanent residence; commonly known as a “Green Card.” The steps to obtaining your Green Card can vary greatly depending on your specific circumstances. There are numerous ways to obtain a green card and every client’s situation should be evaluated specifically.

Helping Relatives Immigrate

If you are a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States and are looking to help bring a relative into this country, it is important that all of the required documentation be submitted correctly on the first attempt and within the allotted time frames. I can assist you with all of the necessary paperwork, supporting exhibits and the eventual interview.

Federal Litigation

Many immigration judges and state judges make mistakes. And many attorneys are satisfied with unsatisfactory rulings. Most do not want to upset a judge by challenging his or her decision, nor do they want to spend more time appealing the same case at a federal level. However, it is my strong belief that when a judge passes an unfair verdict that could ultimately devastate or destroy a person’s life, it is my responsibility as his or her attorney to do everything in my legal power to prevent that from happening. Taking a case before a federal judge is a serious and time consuming endeavor, but if successful can result in the reversal of a previous decision made by either an immigration or state judge.

Vacating Guilty Pleas

Vacating Guilty Pleas: Many clients find themselves in deportation proceedings after entering a plea of guilty to a crime on the advice of their criminal attorney. Unfortunately, their attorney never tells them that their guilty plea will result in their deportation. This can lead to disastrous consequences. In this scenario, it is my job to handle damage control and keep my client in this country and out of jail.

Minor infraction or conviction, even if it occurred decades ago, could trigger deportation or removal proceedings. The U.S. government does not forget. In fact, they are actively arresting people even if they have been living in the U.S. their entire lives. I provide passionate and zealous immigration defense for those who the U.S. government wants to deport.

When applying for citizenship, the application process can be fraught with technicalities, unfair immigration officials, and delays. Our entire immigration and criminal history. Guidance from an experienced immigration attorney is crucial to ensuring that you are not only approved, but that you don’t suddenly wind up in deportation proceedings. Also, an immigration attorney can save a case which has been delayed.

During our initial consultation, I will work with you to determine which visa is right for you or your loved one. I have represented many immigrants who have applied for a wide range of visa applications. I have worked on renewal cases for individuals and their family members, including change of status, marriage and fiancé visas, family petitions, as well as many others.

The first step for someone immigrating to the U.S. on a permanent basis is to obtain lawful permanent residence; commonly known as a “Green Card.” The steps to obtaining your Green Card can vary greatly depending on your specific circumstances. There are numerous ways to obtain a green card and every client’s situation should be evaluated specifically.

If you are a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States and are looking to help bring a relative into this country, it is important that all of the required documentation be submitted correctly on the first attempt and within the allotted time frames. I can assist you with all of the necessary paperwork, supporting exhibits and the eventual interview.

Many immigration judges and state judges make mistakes. And many attorneys are satisfied with unsatisfactory rulings. Most do not want to upset a judge by challenging his or her decision, nor do they want to spend more time appealing the same case at a federal level. However, it is my strong belief that when a judge passes an unfair verdict that could ultimately devastate or destroy a person’s life, it is my responsibility as his or her attorney to do everything in my legal power to prevent that from happening. Taking a case before a federal judge is a serious and time consuming endeavor, but if successful can result in the reversal of a previous decision made by either an immigration or state judge.

Vacating Guilty Pleas: Many clients find themselves in deportation proceedings after entering a plea of guilty to a crime on the advice of their criminal attorney. Unfortunately, their attorney never tells them that their guilty plea will result in their deportation. This can lead to disastrous consequences. In this scenario, it is my job to handle damage control and keep my client in this country and out of jail.